Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Hill Road, Watlington OX49 5AE
Review Us
9.9 143 Reviews
  • Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home, Watlington
Watlington is a stunning home in a rural village, with spectacular gardens overlooking the Chiltern Hills. But it’s the outstanding CQC rated team (April 2019) and the care they provide which makes it special.

So many of the team, who provide residential, dementia, nursing, palliative and pre-bookable respite care, have been at Watlington for over 10 years.

They are passionate about getting to know who their residents are as unique individuals, the things that matter most to them and bring them joy. And the loved ones of residents are very much embraced into life in the home, giving it a warm, family feel.

There are so many activities to enjoy, from trips out into the community in the home’s minibus, to music, baking, animal visits and games on the Magic Table. This is an amazing piece of technology where residents play interactive games together.

And the surroundings at Watlington are very special. The gardens, which include an orchard, water feature and magnificent lawns, go all the way around the home. The bedrooms and communal lounges and dining rooms have beautiful views of the gardens and surrounding countryside. And there are often Red Kites flying above.

There is a beautiful, light and airy orangery. And there are large lounges to relax in with family and friends, who are welcome to visit at any time.

The home also has a hairdressing salon, for regular appointments with a mobile hairdresser.

The residents enjoy delicious home-cooked meals in the dining room, with freshly baked cakes served every day with afternoon tea.

Run by not-for-profit Sanctuary Care, the home is situated close to local shops and restaurants and has a neighbouring GP surgery.
Show Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home on the Map

Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 60 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Facilities

  • Lift
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1466
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £2034
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1466

Our weekly fees are individual to each of our residents and are subject to a pre-admission assessment, which is required to understand the level of care and support needed. Our 2025 weekly care fees for residential care start from £1466 and for nursing care £2034, but may be in the region of 30% more*. This depends on your care needs and the type of bedroom that is right for you, from our standard rooms through to our premium bedroom options.


*If you require more specialist care such as 1-2-1 support, your weekly fee could be higher.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Support you may be entitled to

If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Julie Cooper (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (60)

Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home Reviews (143)

9.9

Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.901) out of 10, based on 52 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has 143 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 127
  • 15
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 143
  • 14
  • 27
  • 52
  • 91
Reviewer Connection to Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home
  • 37
  • 30
  • 20
  • 20
  • 6
  • 6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 143, showing 41-60
Review from Chris M (Friend of Resident) published on 10 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A lovely residential environment and one which I would greatly appreciate when I'm older. We've been very well looked after by the staff, and had an excellent lunch.
Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your five star review for Watlington, the team are certainly very special.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from P J (Son of Resident) published on 2 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff have shown incredible diligence and sensitivity caring for my mother through a life-threatening condition, hospital admission and return to the nursing home on a palliative care basis. Despite not eating and in a delirium, nursing staff have nursed her to a position where she is enjoying meals
and able to participate in the life of the home as much as she is able, despite having advanced Alzheimer's/vascular dementia and co-morbid physical problems.
Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your review for Watlington, the team will be delighted to read your comments about your mother's care.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from N C (Wife of Resident) published on 12 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my husband has been at Watlington District Residential and Nursing Home, he has always been treated with dignity and respect. The staff have been very supportive and helpful whenever I have had any concerns or questions, particularly around finances.
Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your five-star review for Watlington and District Residential and Nursing Home, the team certainly are passionate about supporting loved ones as well as their residents.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Sandra K (Wife of Resident) published on 5 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has Lewy Bodies Dementia. The thing I was so relieved 1with the kindness and care from everybody in the team. Also, most of the staff had been working there for a long time, which speaks volumes. Plus, they kept the dementia people on the ground floor, which most nursing homes do not.
Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review for Watlington; the team are certainly very special there, and indeed, the fact that so many have been there for such a long time speaks very highly of the home.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from K B (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Absolutely fantastic care, can't fault it.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from R D (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It was very well organised and conducted very professionally and thoroughly. Everything was discussed in detail with lots of time to ask questions. It wasn't rushed and I was able to raise any issues. Thank you!
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from V R (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 January 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A wonderful calm environment and always spotlessly clean. The carers are so attentive to my father's needs, ensuring he is always comfortable and safe. And excellent at communicating any concerns. A great team.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Chris B (Son of Resident) published on 29 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A well-organised and run care home. Both I and other visitors to the resident are pleasantly received, and every effort is made to accommodate visiting times. The residential areas are clean and comfortable, the decor is in good order, and entirely free of unpleasant odours. The care of the staff is
adapted to residents' needs and is always given with a positive and cheerful demeanour. The needs of the resident are discussed regularly with me (as next of kin) and communication is both relevant and clear. Despite being confined to bed or a chair for at least a year now, my mother shows no signs of distress. My mother is not really able to join in activities but is nevertheless helped to participate in those requiring only passive attendance. I have a sense of confidence which allows me to get on with my life.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Sue B (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 January 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Care home always spotlessly clean. Staff all very kind and supportive.
Felt like a big family, with a big hug. Nothing was ever too much trouble.
I have recommended to friends for their family members.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Hetty M (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 October 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother passed away in August having spent the last 2.5 years in Watlington & District Nursing Home. I cannot fault her care. She suffered from debilitating dementia which was awful to witness. The staff were always patient and kind, despite her aggression. The home was always bright and clean and
you were always greeted warmly by all the staff. I live over 250 miles away but the staff maintained a high level of communication. Mum always looked pretty - her hair and nails done! I cannot thank the staff enough for nursing and caring for Mum in her latter years with such dignity.
Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words about the team at Watlington. We are sorry for your loss and are proud to hear that the team provided such wonderful care for your mother.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Maureen O (Wife of Resident) published on 2 October 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Whatever time of day of visit my husband is always clean and happy. The staff are polite, happy, and always helpful.
Reply from Kate Yates, Communications and Content Specialist at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for your kind words about our fabulous team at Watlington & District Nursing Home.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Alison P (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Sadly we were only at Watlington for four days but it was the most supportive and professional experience during very sad times. All the staff were polite, helpful and respectful, they could not have done more to make the last few days of Mum's life any better for her or us as a family.
The pre-admission
experience was equally as professional, we did have challenges with the authorities but the home supported me, and gave help and advice whenever possible. I only have praise and thanks for everyone.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from M A (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 7 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The room was excellent and the staff were very lovely and helpful. I much appreciated their help when I wanted to walk to the dining room as my walking is important to me. The food was mostly excellent. However, I find it quite lonely as I miss my friends and family.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for taking the time to review our home and for your lovely words. It is brilliant to hear that you are happy with your room and our home-cooked meals! We do know it can be quite a difficult transition moving, however our doors are always open for visitots and our team are here for you too. Best wishes, Fae

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from L F (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 September 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been in the home for some time now and is very settled. She receives a very high level of care from the staff who are warm and friendly. As I live a distance away from the home, it is reassuring for me to know Mum is in safe hands and happy. We are very grateful to all involved.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind words for our home and team - it is wonderful to hear that you have peace of mind with your mother in our care at Watlington. Best wishes.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from C P (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mother came into this home last year following 18 months in a really poor standard home.
There is nothing we can fault about this home, the standard of care has always been amazing.
So thank you Watlington Nursing Home. Also, brilliant food.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your review, it's wonderful to hear how much happier your mother is with us. Best wishes, Fae

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Maureen B (Wife of Resident) published on 25 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has lived at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home for over four and a half years. He is cared for with great kindness, good humour and gentleness. My concerns raised are immediately acknowledged and addressed. Communication is good. It is a great solace for me to be able to
go home at the end of every visit knowing how excellent his care is.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from S O (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum is cared for with skill and kindness and is very happy in the care home. Standards are high.
Reply from Lisa McCauley, Social media officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear your mum is happy and well cared for by our compassionate team. We will pass your kind words on to the team. Best wishes.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from David W (Husband of Resident) published on 9 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I visit twice a week and always bring our Border Collie. We have been doing this for nearly two years and we are always welcome by residents, nurses and staff. It is always a very relaxed affair, nurses and staff go about their business with polite quiet efficiency. The nursing home is very clean and
well-maintained in a quiet county setting and this all adds to the atmosphere of high-quality care, attentiveness, well-being and presentation provided to the residents.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you so much for your kind words about our home and team. It is wonderful to hear how pleased you are with your wife's care, and that your Border Collie is always welcome too. Best wishes.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Gary H (Son of Resident) published on 9 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care home is located in a beautiful setting, nestling in the foothills of the Chilterns, surrounded by lovely mature gardens. The staff are all very caring, attentive and patient and are well organised and supportive of each other. They organise many highly creative activities and work hard to engage
all of their residents. Although the food is all freshly prepared ad cooked on the premises, the health options are a bit limited.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from B M (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 August 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are extremely happy with the care provided for our mum - it's highly professional, compassionate and thoughtful. We are so glad mum is here and for all the care and support she receives.
Reply from Fae Doherty, Senior Marketing Officer at Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home

Thank you for your kind words - we are so pleased to hear how happy you are with the care provided to your mum. Best wishes.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.901)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.901) out of 10 for Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 52 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 52 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.901 for Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home is calculated as follows: ( (551 Excellents x 5) + (55 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 608 Ratings = 4.901
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home is based on 52 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12, which has been reached with 52 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 19 Apr 2019

Overall Outstanding

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Outstanding
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Outstanding
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (8)

Meet the Team (9)

Julie

Julie Cooper

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2005

Julie has worked at Watlington and District Nursing Home for nearly two decades, proudly leading her devoted team to their CQC 'Outstanding' rating in 2019.


Julie has a very loyal and long-serving team, who are passionate about enriching the lives of their residents each and every day.

Samantha

Samantha May

Job Title: Care Assistant Joined: 2020

Samantha has been working as a care assistant since 2020 and loves making her residents smile.

Quenie

Quenie Pastrana

Job Title: Nurse Joined: 2022

After working with us at Watlington since 2022, it now feels like home for our registered nurse Quenie.

Leila

Leila Verran

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2010

Leila loves helping people and has been our administrator for over a decade at Watlington.

Maggie

Maggie Lloyd

Job Title: Team Leader Joined: 2005

Maggie has nearly worked at Watlington for an amazing 20 years and loves the family feel to the home.

Hassa

Hassa Belarhino

Job Title: Nurse Joined: 2022

Hassa has worked with us since 2022 and really enjoys caring for our residents. She says Watlington is a lovely home to work and live in.

Marion

Marion Stevens

Job Title: Team Leader Joined: 2004

Marion has also worked at Watlington for nearly two decades. She says Watlington is such a happy place to be, and her residents and fellow colleagues are just the best.

Billi-Jo

Billi-Jo Stone

Job Title: Care Assistant Joined: 2019

Billi-Jo loves to make her residents happy and is passionate about her role as a care assistant.

Samantha

Samantha May

Job Title: Care Assistant Joined: 2020

I really love making our residents smile.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Watlington & District Residential and Nursing Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.